Many of our members have joined forces to
clean up and reduce the fire danger on some of the LCPOA green areas,
such as Leisure Lane and Kingsway at Round Oak.
What you may not know is some members are using the program to
fire proof and clean up brush on their own properties, as well.
Their hours can be recorded as volunteer hours in the LCPOA
Firewise Program.Through the efforts of this initial group of people,
we are now recognized as a FIREWISE COMMUNITY, and reimbursement is
available for certain out of pocket expenses, such as the
contracted use or rental of chain
saws and chippers.
Here’s how the program works.
The Wisconsin Firewise program is
administered by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
A major perk of the program is the opportunity to apply for
funds that assist in accomplishing local Firewise programs and
projects. The amount of
reimbursable funding possible from the DNR is computed by multiplying
a set labor rate of $18.05/hour times one-half the number of volunteer
labor hours expended on local Firewise programs and projects.
In other words, if the LCPOA Firewise Program records 1000
hours of volunteer labor on local programs and projects, there is a
possibility that the DNR would provide a $9250 grant toward LCPOA
Firewise green area clean-up projects.
If you and your neighbors are willing to invest some effort in
cleaning up your green areas, the cost of any required equipment may
be covered by the program. If
you and your neighbors would like to clean up and reduce fire danger
in your local green area, or if you want to do the same on your own
property, please read the LCPOA Cleanup Project Execution Plan
enclosed in this newsletter. You
may also contact the LCPOA Firewise Committee Chairman, Corky Grisham,
at (715) 325-5975 for a broader explanation of the program.
